'I just want to be me' - Dhruv Jurel's humbling response to Dhoni comparisons

During India’s recent 4-1 series win over England, several debutants put up their hand to bail the team out of dire circumstances at different stages across five Tests. One such player was the 23-year-old wicketkeeper batter Dhruv Jurel who made his debut during the third game of the series in Rajkot. The Agra-born cricketer had a brilliant outing in his debut innings scoring a vital knock of 46 (104).

However, it was in the fourth Test that Jurel showcased his true prowess playing a heroic knock of 90 in the first innings to bail India out of trouble from a precarious situation of 177/7. He scored another unbeaten 39* in the fourth innings to help India chase a tricky target of 192. Courtesy of his performance, he was also adjudged Player of the Match as India took an unassailable lead of 3-1 in the series.

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Following his match-winning innings, Gavaskar lauded Jurel and compared him with the legendary MS Dhoni praising his presence of mind. However, recently at an event Jurel had a humbling response to the praise as he thanked Gavaskar for his appreciation. However, the youngster admitted that no one can replicate Dhoni’s laurels on the field and there can only be one.

“Thank you so much Gavaskar sir for comparing me with Dhoni sir. But I want to say personally that no one can replicate what Dhoni sir has done. There is only one Dhoni. Always was and always will be. For me, I just want to be Dhruv Jurel. Whatever I do, I want to do as Dhruv Jurel. But Dhoni sir is a legend and he will always remain like that,” said Jurel at India Today Conclave.

Jurel will be next seen playing in IPL 2024

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Jurel finished the series with 190 runs from four innings at an average of 63.33 with one fifty to his name. With the gloves, he took five catches and inflicted two stumpings one of which was Ollie Pope during the fifth Test as Jurel predicted that the England batter would leave his crease beforehand. Meanwhile, after a memorable debut, Jurel will be next seen playing for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2024.